The proposal from the Ministry of Education aims to reduce ratios in the first cycle of Early Childhood Education, establishing a maximum of four children per classroom. This regulation will be applied progressively from the 2027/2028 school year.
The Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports has presented a significant proposal to modify royal decree 132/2010, which regulates the student-teacher ratios in the first cycle of Early Childhood Education. The initiative establishes that starting from the school year 2027/2028, a maximum of four children aged 0 to 1 year, six aged 1 to 2 years, and eight aged 2 to 3 years will be allowed. This measure aims to ensure more personalised and appropriate attention for the youngest children, something that until now lacked specific state regulation.
The implementation will be gradual, beginning with the first year of the first cycle in the mentioned year, and will extend to subsequent years until full application is achieved by 2029/2030. With this regulation, the Ministry aims to establish a clear framework that limits the number of students per teacher, which is crucial for improving educational quality in these early stages.
In addition to the new ratios for the youngest children, the proposal also includes significant changes for other educational levels. In the second cycle of Early Childhood Education, the ratio will be reduced from 25 to 20 children per classroom, while in Secondary Education it will decrease from 35 to 30 students per class. These modifications reflect the Government's effort to meet current and future educational needs.
It is not just about numbers; the proposal also requires that educational centres have adequate facilities. For example, each unit designated for children under two years old must have differentiated areas for rest and hygiene. Additionally, they must have sufficiently spacious classrooms: at least 2 square metres per school place.
The new regulations also include specific requirements such as a multifunctional room of at least 30 square metres, which could be used as a dining room; exclusive playgrounds with a minimum surface area of 75 square metres; as well as adequate spaces for food preparation. These conditions aim to create safe and stimulating environments where children can develop appropriately.
As the planned implementation approaches, many educators and parents are attentive to how these measures will affect the school dynamics. The reduction in ratios could facilitate more individualised attention for each child, which is fundamental during their formative early years.
Although there is still time before these regulations come fully into force, it is essential that both educators and school administrators begin to prepare for these significant changes. Parents can find out how these modifications will impact their children by contacting local educational institutions directly or consulting available online resources.
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